Barcelona Ready to Launch Bid For Chelsea Defender David Luiz

Barcelona are understood to be readying a bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz, according to ESPN.

Barcelona have been tracking the Brazilian defender for some time now, and are ready to make a bid for the player, who must be worth upwards of £30m, as Chelsea are unwilling to sell him. The Spanish giants have turned their attentions to Luiz, 26, after their efforts to sign PSG defender Thiago Silva have been rebuffed by the club.

Luiz’s style is suiting of the Spanish game, and Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for the player. Although he takes an unorthodox approach to his performances, it can be say that Luiz is somewhat of an enigma, possessing all the necessary physical tools to succeed as a footballer, yet without the tactical awareness to adapt to every situation.

Able to play as both a centre back and defensive midfielder, Luiz’s attacking flair and defensive capabilities makes him a great fit in Spain, whilst Champions League winners Bayern Munich are also keen on securing his signature. As Puyol begins his decline as a player, Luiz would be the long-term answer alongside Gerard Pique at the heart of the Barcelona defence.

Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona will swoop for David Luiz this summer, if their bid to sign Thiago Silva proves fruitless. Chelsea have identified Sporting’s Thiago Ilori and Saint-Etienne’s Kurt Zouma as potential replacements.